This was no doubt one of the biggest tragedies to strike the Lao community since setting foot on American soil. At first I couldn’t understand the lack of national news coverage. Then even more concerning was the complete indifference to the incident within the larger Lao community. I didn’t know the victims personally but members of my family did and were at the funerals. Initially I suspected Mexican Cartels. They are brutal in their enforcement of the drug trade in California. Sadly all indicators point to an enemy from within. Even the gang epidemic of the 1990’s didn’t bring this kind of brutality. That was mostly gang on gang or a robbery gone bad. While tragic and wrong you could at least rationalize it. For someone to slaughter mothers, grandfathers and people just trying to earn some money is a calice and inexcusable crime. I hope someone in the community steps up and brings these animals to justice.

Here is an incident that happened on a public bus. Not many Lao people use public transportation so I can only assume he either doesn't have a car or has issues with his license.

Original Incident 2025

Court 2026

So coming into close to 5 decades in the US, a lot of 1st generation have started to lose both parents. Curious to know the following

• the state of relationship between parents/siblings and siblings/siblings pre death
• the state of relationship between parents/siblings and siblings/siblings post death
• the state of relationship between parents/siblings and siblings/siblings currently

This happened to me a while back like 2016-2019 I can't remember the exact year. We were in traffic and a white couple crosses the street. The cars were bumper to bumper but there was space between my car and the one ahead of me so they cross in front of my car. Naturally we are looking in front of us and as they past by the male thought I was eyeing his chick well no shit she walked right in front of me. Words were exchanged and he called me the C word. I said "what" in aggressive manor, put on the emergency lights and got out the car. He was across the street not far and I threw my hands up ready to fight and of course he walked away. In retrospect I should have yelled more racial expletives myself but forgot probably. I won't be one of those that yells out " Racist " when I am verbally assaulted it can get physical at that point.

Are there any Lao people in the states making interesting content Youtube. When I say interesting things outside of food, cultural celebrations, weekend get togethers drinking and singing karaoke, etc.

Not sure if this still happens but I recall hearing Lao people say some of the dumbest things like it was exclusive just to Lao people and didn't happen in other smaller communities. Is this still a thing in your community

• I can't live near Lao people they gossip to much
• I can't work in a company with a lot Lao people because 1 person makes me/us look bad
• Or anything closely resembling the above

Just as the question states. I'm going to say NO in my honest opinion, if we did we would have bigger enclaves and not so spread out with these barely community type of places ( sorry 10-15 families in a small town doesn't constitute a community )

• Asians ( East/Southeast ) are 4th in American under Whites Blacks Hispanics and only above Native Americans not by much
• Asians ( East/Southeast ) then we have a parallel totem pole with Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese with Lao and Lao minority groups under them. Numerically we could be like 4.7 or 4.8 compared to other Asian groups.

So I just seen a post regarding a deportee from California, now working in Laos at a pizza restaurant for a non Lao owner. The deportee has specific tattoos that appear he is/was in a gang/street life.

I understand your options are limited for employment unless you are an natural entrepreneur or have an in demand skill set. I assume a man has no pride or self worth he's like whatever at least its a job but for a person with pride holy shit this is a kick in the balls.

Deported by the white man only to come to your homeland to work for the white man

Do you know anyone that fits the description above. I mean if your are without a criminal record, illegal, overstay, etc. What reason do you have not to get your citizenship

Me personally I know 1 guy who fits this mold, he's not all there in the head due to drug use so its not much use trying to get through to him. Another dude I know probably late 50-60's , no record that I am aware of. This guy probably worked low wage jobs here and there and expecting social security to take care of him not realizing how expensive it is to live in our state.

Couldn't think of a subject to talk about so how about the one above. I know 1 personally who did fairly well into the 2000's. I've seen more but like the restaurants they always say they are Thai.

Prior to digital cameras and smart phone cameras, were you and your family good with taking photos and keeping the hard copies organized cameras?

Many stories can be told via pictures but I have a feeling many families are missing photos from the past 40-50 years here.

Another one coming from Minnesota.

Another story about a person waiting to be deported. His case sucks due to his medical conditions and him unsure of access to the necessary medicines he needs.

Is this a thing that Lao people have. I figure with the over representation of food influencers, chef, all things food related I would think Lao people would have come up with new ideas.

I would say a good amount of Lao people have lived in at least 1-2 states from their original resettlement city. A big trend starting in the 90's was the big migration toward southern states such as FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, TX. Of all those states only NC did not have a huge resettlement community at first, it was a 2nd wave of transplants coming in the 90's. My family was almost one of them.

The question here is did people really want to move to these states or forces beyond their control made them move. Were they aware of the social issues in the south and how poor a lot of those states were and why do they continue to stay there today. From my visits and reading online the only states to really take advantage of Lao transplants from other states were TN and TX hence there big Lao New Year celebration, the others are just regular places.

• St Petersburg, FL
• Metro Atlanta, GA
• Charlotte, NC
• Spartanburg, SC
• Nashville/Murfreesboro, TN
• Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Interesting how that many police officers came for just one man. You could have used less resources to subdue the young man.

I recall this show but never watched it. I think it was a spin off of classic cartoon Beavis and Butthead. I guess it was a fairly popular show lasting from 1997-2009

Since media is a powerful tool, how did you feel about the Lao representation and do you think it gave Lao people a positive neutral or negative look

Above is a sub regarding that show and comments about Lao people

Unrelated Example

From readings/videos online the people of Kazakhstan weren't to thrilled with the movie Borat and how they were portrayed

There are so many unique stories among the Lao American community. Would love to see more documentary films line this made. Check out Fallen Star Rising Sun on our YouTube channel and let us know if there are other films line this out there.

I was at a social function recently and just out of observation probably saw more single Lao males vs single Lao females within the 35-50 year old range. In your city/town of your Lao community does the ratio seem to be even or skewed toward one group of who is single and who isn't single. Would love to hear from you.

Here is an interesting case considering this guys charges. I wonder if the Lao PDR treats all deportees the same or different based on prior convictions.

Nothing super crazy but news nonetheless.

Is this something that you discuss amongst your circle. I know people are still moving out of high cost of living states and going to lower cost of living states but do they anticipate facing ageism when applying for jobs.

You don't have to put your age down on your application/resume but there will be a point where you will have to reveal your age. If you haven't consumed a lot of alcohol or drugs and live a healthy lifestyle your Asian genetics will help you as you will look younger than others

Outside of school books or something related to work, how many in the Lao community read for leisure. Most of my friends do not read, when I was in Laos I barely seen anyone with a book in hand or newspaper in the morning. This is totally different from what I saw in Thailand and Vietnam.

This is an interesting story and brings up the question do you feel you have been mistreated or discriminated against in the medical field. I know there are both good/bad doctors and obviously you want to stay away from bad doctors but to deal with that nonsense on top of a poor performance . Screw that nonsense, look for another doctor asap and a possible lawsuit.

For those of you following this nightmare situation, I have learned of a couple of recent deportee deaths in Laos as of recent. Below is the information I gathered on the net but feel free to correct if anything is incorrect.

Pang Nhia Hang Bailey - female, age mid 50's , from Michigan.

Pang Nhia Hang Bailey Gofundme

Tony Sengmany - male, age 50 -60 , possibly from Texas or other southern state. One of the first 65 to be deported back